Pray for everyone

Today's texts: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13.



This week’s reading from 1 Timothy dovetails well with last week’s sermon. In that sermon, the question was asked whether we should condemn those who sin in the interest of standing on “God’s side,” or if we should extend grace to them, when love expressed in grace is at the heart of God’s character and we are all in need of that grace.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul urges us to make “petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for all people”--not just other Christians, but everyone, including those in authority over us, even if they’re unbelievers or even tyrants.

We pray that these rulers will create a peaceful society, where, for instance, the Gospel has freedom to spread. But more importantly, God wants “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” There is only one saviour, only one mediator between God and human beings: Jesus, who came to save and restore the whole world, including those enemies or leaders we may be inclined to despise.

Our view tends to be quite narrow, so it’s sometimes difficult to imagine the salvation of our enemies (particularly if they’re tyrannical leaders). But we can extend the love and grace of God to them in our prayers and petitions on their behalf. Because God ultimately wants peace and salvation for everyone.

This week's texts: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31.